2026 RULES & REGS
NATIONAL DANCE HONORS
Our competition is intended to provide a supportive and comfortable environment where dancers can showcase their talents and receive constructive critiques to enhance their skills from our faculty.
Instructors, Directors, Contractors, and event venues will be taking images and videos during the convention and competition. This media will be used for Adrenaline and Revive promotional and advertising purposes, social media, website, and brochures.
All competing dancers must be registered for the entire workshop in the city in which they are competing. Names, ages, and date of birth of all the dancers must appear on studio registration or it will not be accepted.
Our Staff reserves the right to disqualify any routine(s) that are in violation of our competition rules and regulations including, but not limited to video/photo rules, inappropriate costumes and/or content, unauthorized props, and time limits.
Competition and the scholarship show are open to guardians and friends of registered dancers, and there is no fee to attend.
Each dancer may register up to ONE (1) solo entry for the National Solo Competition. National solos cannot be the same as a registered Honored Dancer Solo.
There is no limit to the number of solos a studio can register for National Dance Honors.
If a routine is placed in the incorrect category (age division, style, etc.), our staff reserves the right to adjust it at any time.
All routines must perform in the scheduled competition order unless a Stage Manager grants permission otherwise.
Any routine that is late for its performance order without approval may be deducted .5 per judge.
Competing dancers should be ready 90 minutes prior to their scheduled competition time. If the competition runs ahead of schedule, each dancer will be expected to perform early.
The performance stage size will be approximately 60’ x 40’ (stage dimensions may or may not include wing space). Exact stage dimensions will be available prior to the event.
PRE-QUALIFYING
National Dance Honors will not have a pre-qualifying competition. All Group routines will need to pre-qualify at a regional event or pay the regional entry fees to enter the national competition. Solos and Duo/Trios do not need to pre-qualify regionally to compete at National Dance Honors.
DRESSING ROOMS
Our events will have Female, Male, Gender Neutral dressing rooms available for competing dancers. Dressing rooms are not to be used as rehearsal space. Photo and video are not allowed in dressing rooms.
COMPETITION FEES
All event pricing is available in the Studio Owner/Director registration portal. Please login to your account to view the competition fees per routine size.
SOLO $225/Early rate - $250/Full rate
DUO/TRIO (per dancer) $125/Early rate - $150/Full rate
GROUPS (per dancer) $95/Early rate - $120/Full rate
All competition fees are per person, per entry.
AGE DIVISIONS
SPARKS Division Average age: 5-7
MINI Division Average age: 8-10
JUNIOR Division Average age: 11-12
TEEN Division Average age: 13-15
SENIOR Division Average age: 16-19
All Ages are as of January 1, 2026. Dancers must be prepared to present proof of age if requested.
To determine the average age of an entry, add all the ages together and divide by the total number of dancers in the routine. All averages are to be rounded down to the nearest whole number. For example, if a routine average age is 15.6, you would drop the decimal and the routine would compete in the Teen (13-15) age category.
If a routine has a teacher (any age) or dancer who is 20+ as of January 1st, 2026, the routine will be placed in the Adult Division and will be judged for adjudicated awards only.
The average age of each entry may not drop more than one age division below the age of the oldest dancer in the entry, regardless of the actual average age. For example, if an entry contains dancers ranging in age from 7-18, the entry may not compete in a division younger than the Teen (13-15) age category (one division younger than the oldest dancer, 18 years old).
Routines with an average age within .5 of the next age division are allowed to bump up if they choose. For example, a Teen routine with average age 15.5 - 15.9 can bump up to the Senior category however a Teen Routine with average age of 13 - 15.49 is ineligible to bump up. Reach out to the office if you would like to bump a routine up an age category. Routines that were bumped up during the regional season are required to be bumped up for NDH.
TIME LIMITS
APPLIES TO FULL PERFORMANCE AND NOT THE LENGTH OF THE MUSIC TRACK
SOLO (1) 2:30min
DUO/TRIO (2-3) 3:00min
SMALL GROUP (4-9) 3:00min
LARGE GROUP (10-16) 4:00min
LINE (17-24) 5:00min
PRODUCTION (25+) 6:00min
*All performances over the time limits will be deducted .5 point per judge per minute.
*Extended time can be purchased for Small Groups, Large Groups, Lines, and Productions. There is a grace period of 30 seconds before extended time needs to be purchased.
*There is a 5 second grace period for solos before .5 per judge is deducted.
PERFORMANCE GENRES
Entries should be categorized by the genre that most closely represents the movement and should be 80% true to that genre.
TAP dance is a uniquely audio-visual form that is characterized by the percussive sounds generated by either the metal taps or hard-soled shoes worn by the dancer(s). Specific rhythms are outlined in the choreography and then generated by the performers; these rhythms hold equal importance to the physical movements of the body which support the sound. The rhythms and movement work in tandem with music, but the rhythms can also serve solely as music, therefore technique applies greatly to both facets.
JAZZ dance is a dynamic and technical form that includes several styles, such as Classical Jazz, Latin Jazz, Afro Jazz, Contemporary Jazz, Commercial Jazz, Street Jazz, and Broadway Jazz. Jazz technique primarily involves clean (or clear) body lines as well as parallel positions and shapes; movements tend to be bold, stylish, and isolated. While not mandatory, uptempo music is often used and dancers reflect the mood and point of view of the music.
CONTEMPORARY dance is a broad and widely inclusive form that draws from and typically combines several other genres including, but not limited to, ballet, modern, and jazz dance. Contemporary choreography is distinguished by its abstract and innovative movement as well as its challenging and dense concepts. The music involved in contemporary routines is usually varied, from traditional to experimental, but often employed as a backdrop to the piece and a foundation for the intention of the dancer(s).
LYRICAL dance is an expressive and emotional form that draws primarily from ballet, jazz, and modern dance techniques. Lyrical dance focuses on strength, control, and clarity of movement and can be distinguished either by deeply expressive or narrative intentions. The movement is usually in direct response to the lyrics, mood, or content of the music chosen and it is the goal of the dancer(s) to embody that through performance.
BALLET dance is a foundational form that is based on a specific kind of technicality and employs a classic vocabulary of movement. Classical ballet movement is designed to showcase stability and grace, as well as the understanding of turnout; thus technique is absolutely critical. Routines demonstrate melody and harmony of movement as it relates to music.
HIP-HOP is an ever-evolving form that involves movement deriving from hip hop foundations such as Breaking, Popping, Locking, Waving, etc. as well as the commercial dance industry and current social dances. The form tends to focus on individuality within collective movement, striving for entertainment and cleanliness simultaneously, and recognition of the form's roots. Choreography tends to directly reference the music through musicality, lyricism, tonality, and overall structure.
MUSICAL THEATRE is a highly theatrical dance form that derives from stage-bound origins, such as Broadway or the West End, and is often choreographed to a recognizable track from a stage or movie musical. Musical Theatre routines are distinguished by their heightened performance tendencies, such as lip-syncing, and an established storyline, employing dancers as specific characters. Musical Theatre routines often showcase jazz choreography, but they can include a wide range of movement types, including tap, as long as the musical narrative continues to be apparent.
BALLROOM is a global dance form that includes numerous variations such as the Cha-cha, Samba, Rumba, Jive, and Paso Doble. Ballroom is distinguished by certain disciplines in the lower body including the hips, legs, and feet that correspond with a specific poise approach and control in the upper body. There is often a character or historical approach to ballroom choreography, which is discernible by music choice and an interpretive performance quality.
OPEN routines and choreography tend to draw upon or combine numerous sub-genres of dance including, but not limited to, Clogging, Afro, Character, World Dance, Acrobatics, Jazz Funk, etc. Given the wide possibilities of sub-genres involved, dancers must strive to be proficient in all variations that the piece itself calls for. The choreography or the concept in which it is serving must be clearly understood and executed by all performers.
NEW THIS SEASON
ACRO dance combines classical dance technique with acrobatic elements. Movement should flow smoothly between dance and tricks, highlighting both artistry and athleticism.
MUSIC REQUIREMENTS
Music Upload: Music must be submitted on your online registration from the start of registration until one week before the event. You may bring a USB/flash drive for backup use only.
Music uploaded that exceeds the routine length limits will automatically had extended time fees added for that routine. There is a 30 second grace period before extended time needs to be purchased.
INCOMPLETE PERFORMANCE
In the event a dancer does not complete a routine, that routine will be allowed to re-compete on a case-by-case basis. Incomplete routines will be scored based on what was presented. If a routine re-competes it will not be rescored. Exceptions will be made due to technical or production issues out of the performer’s control.
PROPS
General props are permitted but must be taken on stage within two minutes and off stage within two minutes.
Additional set up time over 2 minutes, and up to 5 minutes, may be purchased for $150 per routine. Set up and tear down time may not exceed 5 minutes for each. A half point per judge per minute will be deducted for routines who go over the allotted 2 minutes without purchasing the extended set up time or who exceed the 5 minute limit.
Routines are required to designate if they have a prop in their registration. A half point per judge will be deducted for routines who fail to let us know they have a prop.
Each studio is responsible for the setup and removal of their props. It is the responsibility of each studio to have a cleanup crew to remove any objects left on stage. Guardians and studio directors may assist with prop set up and tear down but will not be allowed to assist with prop transitions or remain onstage during a routine.
There are restrictions in certain cities regarding the size and weight of props. Please check with Staff before submitting large prop entries.
Damage caused by props or performances may be subject to fines.
The Amplified team may assist with prop set up but is not responsible for any damage.
Props declared dangerous by Staff based on height, weight, and stability may not be permitted onstage.
No live animals, fog machines, or pyrotechnics are allowed at any time.
The use of certain substances including sand, baby powder, paint, liquids, or similar substances are not allowed during any performance.
At no time can any person or any object be thrown, tossed, or jump off of the stage.
Violation of any of the above prop guidelines may result in a point deduction of a half point per judge.
Routines may request for our stage lights and LED wall to be dimmed or blacked out, with the exception of our logo which must remain present on the LED wall at all times.
SCORING & ADJUDICATION
For the national competition, scoring is done on an adjudicated point scale for groups by 5 judges, each scoring a total of 100 points. Both the highest and lowest scores will be dropped. Note: The Honored Dancer Solo Competition will be adjudicated by 4 judges, each scoring a total of 100 points.
In the event of a tie, scores will be broken by first, Technique score; second, Execution score; if the score can’t be broken by these factors there will be a tie.
Any choreography that is not considered age-appropriate by the panel of judges will have 1 point deducted by each judge and possible disqualification.
ALL JUDGES’ DECISIONS ARE FINAL.
Each judging panel will have one Teacher Judge who will provide feedback geared towards the teacher or choreographer on one track, and two Dancer Judges who will provide feedback geared towards the dancers together on a second track.
National Dance Honors strives to be conflict free on all judging panels. In the rare instance a faculty member must judge their own work, their score will be dropped with an average of the other two scores taking its place.
Scoring percentages are as follows:
Technical Execution - 30%
Choreographic Execution - 30%
Performance Quality - 20%
Overall Impression - 20%
Adjudication is as follows:
Ultimate Platinum: 291-300
Platinum: 280-290
High Gold: 265-279
Gold: 250-264
OVERALL HONORS
Honoring the Top 10 overall high score winners in each age division (Sparks, Mini, Junior, Teen, and Senior) in the following competition categories: Solo, Duo/Trio, Small Group, Large Group, Line, and Production. If there are less than five entries in a division, only 1st place will be announced.
OVERALL WINNINGS PER AGE DIVISION
1ST PLACE
2ND PLACE
3RD PLACE
SOLO
DUO/TRIO
$250
$150
$50
SMALL GROUP
LARGE GROUP
$250
$150
$50
LINE
$250
$250
$250
$150
$150
$150
$50
$50
$50
PRODUCTION
$250
$150
$50
*All Overall winnings will be in the form of a credit to NDH 2027
SPECIAL HONORS
Judges will pick routines of their choice for special recognition in each age group to be announced during awards ceremonies during the week.